We go cut one down and have that every year (for the past 6-7 years). I like doing that because then the trees don't get wasted by just sitting out on the lots and the farm usually plants another one right away anyways.

I think it's sad when they cut down that giant tree each year for Rockefellar Center. Don't get me wrong...I am obsessed with looking at it (they have a webcam) but it's still sad to see a tree that large get cut down.

I much prefer an artificial tree. My other half however insists on a real tree every year. I find them such a pain to clean up after and not worth the hassle. Some artificial trees look really great but I can't convince him.

We've always done a fake tree. I know that the trees are grown for this purpose, but I could never bring myself to have a tree cut down just to be brought in side for a month. The exception was a few years when we had a real live tree with roots and soil which we planted in January. That was very expensive though.

Holly Cl'Oz wrote:I much prefer an artificial tree. My other half however insists on a real tree every year. I find them such a pain to clean up after and not worth the hassle. Some artificial trees look really great but I can't convince him.

Make him go alone and find the perfect tree. Then don't water it, don't clean up after it, and don't help him center it so that it's straight. Once he sees what a giant pain in the tail it is for a real tree, he'll cave in after Christmas and buy an artificial tree when their on deep discount and the store's want to get rid of their stock for lawnmower season.

BTW: The pre-lit trees are great. My parent's bought one, and you just plug in the lights as you set up the branches. Nothing like two birds with one stone.